Know your colorectal cancer screening options
Colorectal cancer screenings are too important to miss. That’s because when colorectal cancer is found and treated early, there’s a 90% chance of survival after five years.
All of the screening types below are recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. If you are 45 years of age or older and at average risk for colorectal cancer, you have options and can choose the type of screening you want.* The best screening test is the one that fits your lifestyle most easily!
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING OPTIONS
| Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) | Cologuard | Colonoscopy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What happens during the test? | You will use a kit to collect a stool sample at home and mail it to a lab for testing. | You will use a kit to collect a stool sample at home and mail it to a lab for testing. | A doctor will use a long, flexible scope to examine your entire colon for polyps. |
| How does the test work? | The stool will be tested for trace amounts of blood that could be a sign of cancer. | The stool will be tested for blood and DNA markers associated with colon cancer. | The test can find and remove abnormal growths and cancer. |
| Where do I take this test? | At home | At home | At medical facility |
| Do I need to prepare for the test? | No. Prep is not required. | No. Prep is not required. | Yes. You will need to start a liquid diet and use a laxative the day before your test. You also need to fast the morning of your test. |
| Do I need to take time off from work or other activities? | No. It only takes a few minutes to collect and prepare the sample. | No. It only takes a few minutes to collect and prepare the sample. | Yes. You will need to take 1-2 days off work and have someone drive you home after the test. |
| How many years can I go between screenings? | One | Three | Up to ten years |
| What happens if my test is positive? | This test is positive about 10% of the time. If positive, your doctor can help you schedule a zero-cost colonoscopy. | This test is positive about 20% of the time. If positive, your doctor can help you schedule a zero-cost colonoscopy. | Many growths found during a colonoscopy can be removed during the procedure. |
| What are next steps if I think this test may be right for me? | Talk to you doctor, who can order a kit at no cost to you. | Talk to your doctor or visit Cologuard’s website to learn more and order a kit at no cost to you. | Talk to your doctor. Colonoscopies with in-network providers are covered at no cost to you. |
*Your risk of colon cancer might be above-average if you have ever been diagnosed with colon cancer, had a polyp removed from your colon, had any close relatives (such as parents or siblings) who have had colon cancer, have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), or have ever had a health care provider tell you that you have a higher-than-average risk of developing colon cancer. If any of these situations apply to you, please contact your primary care provider for guidance on your colorectal cancer screening options.